Pedaling Through the Golden State: California's Best Backroads for Bicycle Explorers

California, a land of endless horizons and sun-drenched dreams, offers more than just its iconic highways. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, there are hidden backroads that reveal the state's soul in ways both subtle and profound. Here’s a guide to some of California’s best bicycle routes—each one an invitation to discover new corners of your soul.

# 1. **The Lost Coast Loop**

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, The Lost Coast is where time seems to stand still. This remote stretch along Northern California's coastline is rugged and untamed—a perfect escape for cyclists seeking solitude.

- **Route:** Start in Ferndale (Main St., Ferndale, CA 95536) and loop through Petrolia before returning.

- **Highlights:** Towering redwoods whisper ancient secrets while waves crash against rocky shores.

- **Local Quirk:** Stop by Honeydew Country Store (44370 Mattole Rd., Honeydew, CA 95545) for local honey that's as wild as the landscape itself.

# 2. **Napa Valley Vine Trail**

While Napa Valley might evoke images of wine-tasting tourists, there's another side waiting for you on two wheels. The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a scenic route through vineyards that seem plucked from Steinbeck's "East of Eden."

- **Route:** Begin at Kennedy Park (2295 Streblow Dr., Napa, CA 94558) and ride north towards Yountville.

- **Highlights:** Rolling hills adorned with grapevines under an azure sky; tasting rooms offering sips of liquid gold.

- **Local Quirk:** Visit Oxbow Public Market (610 First St., Napa, CA 94559), where culinary delights meet artisanal crafts.

# 3. **Angeles Crest Highway**

For those who crave elevation—and perhaps a touch of danger—the Angeles Crest Highway delivers thrills aplenty. Winding through the San Gabriel Mountains like Kerouac’s restless spirit searching for meaning on Route 66.

- **Route:** Start at La Caada Flintridge (Foothill Blvd & Angeles Crest Hwy., La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011).

- **Highlights:** Sweeping vistas over Los Angeles; pine-scented air invigorating every breath.

- **Local Quirk**: Newcomb’s Ranch Restaurant & Bar (5340 Angeles Crest Hwy., La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011)—a biker haven since time immemorial.

# 4.**Big Sur Coastal Ride**

Few places capture California's dramatic beauty like Big Sur—a place where mountains plunge into ocean depths with reckless abandon reminiscent of Ansel Adams' photography or Robinson Jeffers’ poetry about nature’s raw power.

-**Route**: Begin at Carmel-by-the-Sea( Ocean Ave.& Junipero St.Carmel-by-the-Sea ,CA93921 )and head south toward Ragged Point Inn(19019 Cabrillo Hwy,Ragged Point ,CA93452)

-**Highlight : Bixby Creek Bridge standing tall above turquoise waters ;McWay Falls cascading onto sandy beaches below

- Local quirk : Henry Miller Memorial Library(48603Hwy1,Bigsur ,Ca93920)-an ode literary rebellion amidst towering redwoods

#5 . Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Road

High up Sierra Nevada lies road less traveled leading fire lookout tower perched atop craggy peaks offering panoramic views stretching across horizon akin John Muirs musings about wilderness sublime .

Route :Start Downieville(MainSt&CommercialStDownieville,Ca95936)&climb towardsSierraButtesFireLookout

Highlights : Alpine lakes shimmering sunlight ;wildflowers carpeting meadows vibrant hues

LocalQuirks:YubaExpeditionBikeShop(208MainStDownieville,Ca95936)-hub mountain biking enthusiasts eager share trail tales

In these roads winding through Californias diverse landscapes find not only adventure but also deeper connection place steeped history culture innovation . Whether pedaling past vineyards lost coastlines or scaling heights Sierras each journey reveals facets golden state often overlooked yet profoundly enriching .

Websites :

www.visitferndaleca.com

www.vinetrail.org

www.newcombsranch.com

www.henrymiller.org

Twitter handles:

@VisitFerndale @VineTrail @NewcombsRanch @HenryMillerLib